Sure! Let's find the mole ratio of water ([tex]$H_2O$[/tex]) to phosphoric acid ([tex]$H_3PO_4$[/tex]) using the given chemical reaction:
[tex]\[ P_4O_{10} + 6H_2O \rightarrow 4H_3PO_4 \][/tex]
Step-by-step, here's the detailed process:
1. Identify the balanced reaction: The provided chemical equation shows a balanced reaction. This means that the number of each type of atom on the reactant side is equal to that on the product side. In this case, one molecule of [tex]$P_4O_{10}$[/tex] reacts with 6 molecules of [tex]$H_2O$[/tex] to produce 4 molecules of [tex]$H_3PO_4$[/tex].
2. Extract mole ratios: From the balanced chemical equation, we focus on the coefficients (the numbers in front of the chemical formulas). These coefficients indicate the number of moles of each substance involved in the reaction.
- For water ([tex]$H_2O$[/tex]), the coefficient is 6.
- For phosphoric acid ([tex]$H_3PO_4$[/tex]), the coefficient is 4.
3. Establish mole ratio: The mole ratio represents the proportional relationship between the reactants and products in the reaction. For water to phosphoric acid, we see the ratio is:
[tex]\[
H_2O : H_3PO_4 = 6 : 4
\][/tex]
4. Do not simplify the ratio: The problem specifically states not to simplify the ratio. So, we keep the ratio exactly as extracted from the balanced equation.
Therefore, the mole ratio of water to phosphoric acid is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{6 : 4}
\][/tex]
